The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 297

The European Union in Prophecy
The most humble and devoted in the churches were usually the first to receive
the message. Those who studied the Bible for themselves could not but see the
unscriptural character of the popular views of prophecy; and wherever the people
were not controlled by the influence of the clergy, wherever they would search the
word of God for themselves, the advent doctrine needed only to be compared with the
Scriptures to establish its divine authority.
Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order to retain their
position in the church, some consented to be silent in regard to their hope; but others
felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide the truths which He had committed
to their trust. Not a few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for no other
reason than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ. Very precious to those who
bore this trial of their faith were the words of the prophet: "Your brethren that hated
you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall
appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isaiah 66:5.
Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result of the warning.
When there was a general rejection of the message by the churches, angels turned
away in sadness. But there were many who had not yet been tested in regard to the
advent truth. Many were misled by husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were
made to believe it a sin even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the Adventists.
Angels were bidden to keep faithful watch over these souls, for another light was yet
to shine upon them from the throne of God.
With unspeakable desire those who had received the message watched for the
coming of their Saviour. The time when they expected to meet Him was at hand. They
approached this hour with a calm solemnity. They rested in sweet communion with
God, and earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter. None who
experienced this hope and trust can forget those precious hours of waiting. For some
weeks preceding the time, worldly business was for the most part laid aside. The
sincere believers carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if
upon their deathbeds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes. There
was no making of "ascension robes" (See Appendix); but all felt the need of internal
evidence that they were prepared to meet the Saviour; their white robes were purity
of soul--characters cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of Christ. Would that there
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